Baked Fish 

Ingredients

✅ 2 whole fish (Karimeen, Pomfret, or any firm white fish)
✅ 2 tbsp chili powder
✅ 1 tsp turmeric powder
✅ ½ tsp black pepper
✅ 4 garlic cloves OR ½ tbsp garlic paste
✅ ½ tsp ginger paste
✅ 5–6 curry leaves
✅ A few coriander leaves (just a small handful)
✅ 5–6 mint leaves
✅ ½ tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
✅ 1 tbsp coconut oil (or any oil you love)

For baking:

✅ 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds

✅ 1 small onion, sliced into rings

✅ A few curry leaves (extra for garnish)

✅ Foil or parchment paper 

🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking

🌶️ Step 1: Blend the Magic

1️⃣ In a blender, add chili powder, turmeric, pepper, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, coriander, mint, vinegar or lemon juice, and oil.
2️⃣ Blend into a thick, smooth paste. This is your flavor bomb. 💣
💡 Ummama’s Tip: “Use cold water, just a few drops if needed, to help it blend without making it runny.”

🐟 Step 2: Prep the Fish

3️⃣ Clean the fish thoroughly and pat dry.
4️⃣ Make 2–3 shallow cuts on each side—this helps the masala seep in deeper.
5️⃣ Rub the paste all over the fish, inside and out, into the slits too. Be generous!

🕒 Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight if you’ve got the time).
💡 Ummama’s Tip: “Letting it rest makes all the difference—it gives the spices time to do their magic!”

🔥 Step 3: Bake It Beautiful

  For Oven:

6️⃣ Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
7️⃣ On a lined baking tray, lay down lemon slices and onion rings to form a soft, zesty bed.
8️⃣ Gently place the marinated fish on top.
9️⃣ Drizzle a touch of oil over the fish, and tuck in a few extra curry leaves for aroma.

🔟 Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the size of your fish. For a golden finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

   For Air Fryer:
🔁 Place a layer of lemon and onion slices in the bottom of the air fryer basket (use foil if needed).
🐟 Set the marinated fish on top.
🔥 Air fry at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway if your fryer cooks unevenly. Add 1–2 minutes more for extra crisp edges.

💡 Ummama’s Touch: “Whichever method you use, don’t flip too much—let the masala form a crust.”

🍽️ How to Serve It Like Ummama

✅ Garnish with fresh coriander and a final squeeze of lemon juice.
✅ Serve with steamed rice, coconut chutney, or even a mint raita.
✅ Bonus: The baked onions and lemons? Totally edible and bursting with flavor—don’t leave them behind! 

Final Thoughts

Ummama’s Kerala Baked Fish is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience! With every bite, you’ll taste the perfect blend of spices, the richness of the marinade, and that crispy finish. Whether you go for the oven or air fryer, this dish is sure to become your new favorite. Don’t just cook—bring a little piece of Kerala’s magic into your home today! 🍛